European universities oppose Swiss exclusion from EU programmes

An organisation representing European universities has opposed the exclusion of Switzerland from two large scale Europe-wide higher education programmes.

The European University Association (EUA) has supported calls for Switzerland to be allowed back into Horizon 2020, the €80 billion EU research and innovation programme, and Erasmus+, the €14.7 billion scheme supporting study and training overseas for over 4 million Europeans.

The exclusion by the European Commission follows a recent referendum decision by Switzerland to restrict immigration from other EU member states. The EUA – an organisation which represents universities across EU member states - has voiced support for Swiss higher education figures who have vehemently opposed the decision.